By Oghenekevwe Laba
PHOTO/STORY: Youths from states across the South- East zone of Nigeria have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the elections in 2015 assuring him of their full support.
The youths under the banner of the Southern Nigeria Youth Leadership Initiative (South East zone Chapter), made the endorsement in Enugu Saturday July 6, 2013 during a meeting between the group and delegates from members of Attorney and Media Committee of Oporoza House a Think -Tank of activists and intellectuals from the South-South.

Speaking during the parley held at Villa-Toscana Hotel Enugu, National President of the Southern Nigeria Youths Leadership Initiative (South East Zone Chapter) which is a non-governmental organization that seeks the promotion of social justice and fairness, equity, public safety, sustained socio-economic and political growth and development as well as good governance in Nigeria, Dr. Godswill Nwanoruo averred that the support of the group for President Jonathan is based on the “obvious and laudable achievements Mr. President has made at both micro and macro levels of the nation’s economy. His efforts at stemming the ugly tide of violence in some parts of the country, especially the North, are also noteworthy”.

Dr. Ifeanyi Odoziobodo, National Publicity Secretary of the Initiative, noted that what the country requires is a good leader.
According to him, “President Jonathan is really working, despite the daunting challenges facing the country. With goodwill and a good heart, we will get there. He has demonstrated that he is a democratic, not draconian”,

In his remarks, leader of the Oporoza House delegation Elder Timi Ogoriba expressed surprise and appreciation at the huge turnout that welcomed the group on arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and pledged to work effectively with the Initiative, in view of their common objectives.

The groups also paid a courtesy visit to the Igwe (Dr.) Julius U. Nnaji, Odenigbo 111, Nike, Igwe of Enugu Ukwu, where they were received by the Palace Secretary, Chief Cyril Mba Nnaji and Loolo Maria Nnaji.

The groups also called at the South East Ronal Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party -PDP, where they were welcomed by Hon, Casmir O Ugwu, Zonal Secretary, PDP South East who made the point that,” President Jonathan is on course in his developmental effort in the areas of energy and infrastructure.

The meeting in Enugu was attended by hundreds of members of the Initiative from across the Eastern states led by members of the executives including. Dr. Odozie Obodo, Chief Okey Ehibe (Co-ordinator, Abia State), Hon Robinson Ndukwu, among others. A delegation of the Southern Nigeria Youth Leadership Initiative from the South West was present while a delegation of Hausa Youth, led by its President, Babangida Mohammed Lawal was part of the enthusiastic presence at the meeting.
The Oporoza House Attorney and Media Committee members who were in the visitation to Enugu led by Comrade Timi K Ogoriba, includes Kime Engozu, Marshal Kunoun, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Hilda Dokubo and Welman Warri.

Others in the entourage were Binaebi Amabah, Paul Bebenimibo, Chief Opaks Harry, Elfreda Olungwe, Bar OTDK Amachree, Bar Ebinimi Kokum, Ghomorai Presidor, Kalada Wilson and Ibiba Don Pedro